Minnesota Vikings news, rumors and injuries

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, who was put back on the commissioner's exempt list last week, has had "open dialogue" with the team, according to general manager Rick Spielman. Spielman continues to say that the Vikings want Peterson to return in 2015. However, Peterson has been "uneasy" about returning. The Vikings can cut Peterson or talk to him about restructuring his contract at any time since he's back on the exempt list.

Fantasy Tip: It's a bit of a mystery as to whether Peterson will return to play in Minnesota in 2015. The important news is that he will be playing next season, and that'll make him a top-five fantasy football selection immediately. If he's traded and lands in a more favorable situation, he could easily be considered for the No. 1 overall pick.

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson's suspension was overturned by U.S. District Judge David S. Doty Thursday, Feb. 26. However, the NFL also announced that they will appeal the ruling, and Peterson will return to the Commissioner's Exempt List. "Judge Doty's order did not contain any determinations concerning the fairness of the appeals process under the CBA, including the commissioner's longstanding authority to appoint a designee to act as hearing officer," the league said in a statement.

Fantasy Tip: Peterson's future with the Vikings is very murky, at best, but there's a chance he could be reinstated before April 15. Peterson will be playing somewhere in 2015, it's just a question of whether he'll remain in Minnesota. If his reinstatement back into the league happens sooner rather than later, it'll only help cement his fantasy draft value as a candidate for the top overall pick in 2015.

Fantasy Tip: Peterson will be able to play next season, but it is not known which team he will play for in 2015. Peterson probably should be considered a No. 1 fantasy running back no matter where he plays and likely will be an option in the first round of drafts.

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson's father denied a report that Peterson no longer wants to play for Minnesota. Peterson's father said Peterson is still open to a return to the Vikings. Peterson himself said earlier this month that he feels uneasy about returning to Minnesota because he felt there were some people in the organization who wanted him off the field last season. It was also previously reported that Peterson's agent and members of the Vikings' front office had a heated exchange during the NFL Scouting Combine this week.

Fantasy Tip: Things seem to be going downhill between Peterson and the Vikings despite what his father says. Obviously we don't know where Peterson will be playing next season, but, when healthy, he's an RB1 option no matter what uniform he's wearing.

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson's situation with the team worsened during the NFL scouting combine as his agent and members of Minnesota's front office had a heated verbal altercation, according to sources. Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, reportedly said that Peterson would never play for the Vikings again.

Fantasy Tip: The validity of Dogra's statement remains to be seen, but the prospects of Peterson returning to the Vikings aren't sounding positive at this juncture. There have been rumors that Peterson could head to Dallas if DeMarco Murray is not franchise tagged or re-signed. Keep tabs on this situation as free agency and the NFL Draft inch closer.

Fantasy Tip: It's unclear where Peterson will be in 2015, but he is still considered a Top 20 fantasy option at his position and could be a steal on draft day if he lands in a favorable situation and remotely comes close to his old form.

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson hasn't softened his stance, despite general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer reaching out to him. Peterson wants a fresh start somewhere else. Peterson said lack of trust is a major issue in his uneasiness to return. The team has no intentions of cutting him, so a trade would be the only option.

Fantasy Tip: It's hard to see this ending any other way after the team worked with the NFL to put him on the commissioner's exempt list last season. Jerick McKinnon figures to land a featured role and would be a great RB3. Peterson should make a mid-to-low RB1 wherever he lands.

Minnesota Vikings WR Charles X. Johnson is "far and away our best receiver," according to offensive coordinator Norv Turner. Johnson emerged as QB Teddy Bridgewater's No. 1 target in the second half of last season, ending with 31 catches for 475 yards. Turner has high hopes for Johnson in 2015 with his knee injury even further behind him.

Fantasy Tip: The chemistry that Johnson built with Bridgewater last season is very important, and it'll likely continue in 2015. Aside from Johnson, Greg Jennings may be on his way out, and Cordarrelle Patterson didn't do anything to endear himself to the team. Consider Johnson a WR4 with upside in this year's drafts.

Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson continues to have the support of the team, and general manager Rick Spielman said, "We expect Adrian Peterson to be part of our football team" next season. President Mark Wilf said earlier this week that the team would welcome Peterson back with open arms. Peterson can't be reinstated until April 15, but the NFL Players Association is suing the league in federal court to expedite his return. It's unknown if Minnesota would keep Peterson on his current contract with a base salary of $12.75 million for 2015.

Fantasy Tip: Peterson should still be seen as a top-five fantasy football running back, and when his situation is cleared with the league, he could be considered for the top overall spot again. He'll be even more determined than ever after sitting out for almost a full season.